Duct for current distributing systems



June 16, 1936. H. J. l.. FRANK 'E1- AL Re- 20,005

DUCT FOR CURRENT DISTRIBUTING SYSTEMS' Original Filed July 208, 1930, 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 0 www? June 16, 1936- H. J. L. FRANK ET A1.

DUCT FOR CURRENT DISTRIBUTING SYSTEMS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed July 28, 1930 NVENTORS. C anni I4/w A TTORNE Y.

H. J. L. FRANK ET AL Re. 20,005`

DUCT FOR CURBENT DISTRIBUTING SYSTEMS l original Filed July 2B, 1930 s sheets-sheet s TOR-S y www,

ATTORNEY.

Reiaaued Junev 16, 1936 Re. roms UNITED sTA'rssPA'rsN-T or-Flcs I usos i nucl' roncmmmsrlmo'mm 1in-runas.nimm:mawuimnalmrnr.

Detroit, Minima-ignorato ProduetaCompanyDetrolt,

mmm nnsisniolwm'a-l forrdlueJlly This invention relates to current distribution systems and more particularly to means for distributing current from one part of a factory building to another, and it is to -be understood that this case is tobe considered-along with the copending reissue application of'Barrison J. L. Frank and William A. Harper, Serial No. 471,382.

' iiled July 28, 1930. This application relates to the ducts which enclose the bus bara from which current is to -be taken while the said application, Serial No. 471,382 relates to the trolleys for withdrawing vcurrent from the distributors disclosed in this application. v

It has been the practice, heretofore, in factory installations. to install at conveniently located points, outlets from which current may be taken by means of plug-in devices secured to cords leading from electrically driven tools. Such installations are extremely disadvantageous in certain types of work, especially those wherein it is necessary for a factory worker, havingan electrically driven tool in his hand, to go from one place to another while the tool is operating. It

has been found desirable to provide a trolley system such that the worker can move his electrically driven tool along with the work, all the I cluding an inverted U-shaped channel member having bus bars therein from which current can Y be taken, the channel member serving as a rail upon whichcan move wheels connected to the tool in a manner to support the latter.

A further object is a novel form of connection between bus bars enclosed in a channel member,

the connection being mechanically secure and 1 electrically insulated, wherever desired.

A still further object is a current distributor of the type described above provided with means to prevent insertion oir the tool in any but the proper direction, whereby to prevent the tool from being subjected to improper electrical iniluences.

A still further object is a novel form oi' con- ADP l., 1.33. lal'lalNo. 2574 nsction between adjacent aligned sections of a systenuthe lembi! beins mchanically and electrically efiicient.

Astillfurtherobject isaconnectionofthe character described above which is so formed i as lto insure against interruptions of the electric current as it iiows from one bus tc another A still further object is a novel form of connection between adjacent ends of bus bars, one which includes male and female members adaptedto prevent interruption oi' current flow in a deviceasthelatterisbeingmovedalong said bus bars.

A still further object is a novel form of connection between an entrance cable and a bus bar in a channel or duct member, the connection being mechanically and electrically etlicient. o

Astillfurtherobiect isanovel formoi'busbar` enclosing duct, one which is so formed as t0 provide for the ready insertion and removal of a current collector device and which is so formed as to prevent insertion of the device in any but the proper direction.

A further object is -a current distributor of the type described above wherein a maximum clearance between parts of opposite or diil'erent polarity is provided, this feature being desirable in such devices due to the presence of dust and loose particles of conducting material. A still further obiect is a duct type distributor whichissoconstructedthatitmaybemadeand assembled in units thus permitting rapid assembly and fabrication oi various lengths and types of installations. i

A still further object, as a subordinate to the foregoing object, is a construction of the aforeysaid character wherein thebus barendsand the section ends are equipped with formations providing Joints, these combining readily and automatically to provide a continuous run of bus bar in the distributor, the joints being smooth and non-protruding so that no interruption of a smooth` bus-run or rail is presented. This Il'i'g.3isaviewofasectionend,asifinthe tion end. Y

Fig. 5 is a cross section view showing the electri- K cal and mechanical connection between an entrance cable and the distributor.

Figs. 6 and '7 show complementary ends of adja-l cent aligned bus bars.

Fig. 8 is a cross section view of a modincation.

Fig. 9 is'a cross section view of another modiiication.

Fig. 10 is a view of the modification of Pig. 9 as if in the direction of the arrow il thereof.

Fig.11 is a cross section view showing a mechanical and electrical connection between adjacent ends of sections like those of Fig. 9.

Channel type' .The channel type of distributor, shown in Figs. 1 to 'I inclusive, includes a structural steel channel 2| to whose web portion 2| is secured a structural steel angle 22, the latter being perforated as at 22 for the reception of 'suitable hangers or supports (not shown) whereby the distributor may be secured immediately below'the ceiling or other overhead surface of a factory building.

'I'he inside of the channel is lined with an insulating flbrechannel or liner 25 secured thereto by means of bolts 2|. At regularly spaced intervals there is secured to the web 2i, cleats 21 made of a suitable insulating material such as wood, fiber, or the like, and to the under surface of the latter is secured the insulating strip 2| under and against which are disposed the three phase bus bars 2li, 2|, and 22, the latter being spaced from strip 2| by insulating washers 22, whereby it is below the level oi' the busses 20 and 2| for reasons to be hereinafter described.

An important feature of this invention is the novel form and method of connection between the parts heretofore described. Bolts 2|-21 which secure the cleats 21 to the web 2| are inserted upwardly through apertures in the cleats. strip 22 serving to hold them in place. Bolts 2|, 29, Il securing the buses to thecleats, are then inserted downwardly through -apertures in the latter and threaded into apertures in the buses, passingl throughl suitably provided apertures in the strip It will be observed that the cleats. the buses, the strip 2|, and the bolts are assembled to form a unit whereupon they may be mounted in the channel 2li in a very simple and expeditious manner. that is to say, merely by inserting bolts 2|-21 through the webs aforesaid whereupon nuts l2 and l2 are threaded on the opposite endsthereof to secure the unit in place.

Further, it will be seen that bolts 2| and 21 are insulated from the webs by means of the fiber bushings 4I and the fiber washers 4|.

It will be observed that when once secured in place. access to any or all of the bolts from the under surface of the channel is prevented, thus eliminating any possibility of shortcircuiting or loosening of the parts.

Furthermore, it will be observed that the insulation between electrical conducting parts of opposite polarity is complete and efilcient there being no loosely disposed conducting or insulating parts to interfere with proper operation of the device.

Another feature of this form of distributor resides in the connection between adjacent ends of v sacos m44; Innes mechsnelenassomsnortethan its insulating liner 22| which is inbent as shown. whereby, when channel ends 22|-and |2| are brought together liner 22| will underlap liner 42|, providing a lap joint which prevents exposure from within the channel of any surfaces of the latter. Bus ends 222-22I-222 are also extended beyond the end of channel 22| whereby they may be projected within the socketed ends of bus ends 420--I2I-422, the connection between these buses being illustrated in Figs. 6 and 'l and being laterfdescribed. Y

A strip I2 bolted, riveted, or welded to the up` per surface of the web channel end 22| or integral with the 1'section 22 of Fig. 1 is then secured in a similar fashion to the web of channel end 420 mechanically securing channel ends 22| and 42| to each other and also effecting electrical connection between them for grounding purposes.

In Fig. 5. there is disclosed a means for effect,- ing electrical and mechanical connection between an entrance cable andvanyone of the bus bars disposed within the channel. The cable Il at its end is equipped with a cable lug or terminal l1 which is bolted or otherwise secured to a connection lug I| by means of the nut and bolt device shown at Il.

Fiu'ther, it will'be observed that a considerable clearance between the bus bars and the channel, as well-as between adjacent bus bars has been provided. these clearances being maintained by the extremely sturdy construction of the bus bars tures in the channel.

It also will be seen that this construction,while it permits slight flexing of the bus bars, in a vertical plane with respect to the channel. in no way interferes with proper current collection, since it is'.` contemplated to use therewith current collector rollers having a not inconsiderable amount of play or movement.

Lug l2 is then secured to bolts 2| by means of the complementary nuts |i and 62 between which it is clamped, the lower end 22 of bolt 2| being 1 threaded into a bus 2| as shown, there being a ber sleeve or tube Il surrounding the bolt 8| andclamped between the bus 2| and the lower nut |2, the sleeve serving'to insulate the bolt from the web 2l of the channel 2| as shown. The novel form of connection between complementaryN ends "of adjacent aligned bus bars, illustrated in Figs. 6 and '1,com'prises a male member secured by welding to the end oi' the bus bar 22| the latter being scarfed at |1 for purposes to be described. The bus bar end 42| is provided with a channel member secured thereto on the side thereof by bolts .or by welding,

Aas desired, the bus |20 being scarfed as at 89 in the same direction as is scarfed the bus. 22|. The male' member 2| is lnsertedinthe channel 68. its end being pointed as at 1| to facilitate `such insertion, until scarves 61 and 2| abut or are adjacent each othery on their vertical surface.

*the duct.

adoos In this manner channel ends 320 and 420 overlap and underlap each other, whereby current no w from one to the other is eii'ected vwithout interruption and whereby the current collector which engages the buses on their smooth surface, can pass from bus end 320 to bus end 420 without having its current collection interrupted even for a moment, the collector being in contact with bus end 320 or bus end 420 or both at all times during its travel from one to the other.

Further, byl virtue of the nat angle or scarred formation of the bus bar ends, alined bars may be spaced apart for even a nsiderable distance without creating such a gap as will cause a roller passing thereover to be bumped, the scarves causing a roller to be in supported engagement with one or the other of the bus bars at all times.

Further, the provision of the particular type of .scaried joint disclosed assures bus bar ends being joined in such a fashion as to provide a smooth and non-interrupted bus run or rail, particularly adapted for trolley use.

Duct types In Fig. 8 there is disclosed a distributor including a metallic duct 12 substantially rectangular in cross section and provided with an asymmetrically disposed slot 13 through which may extend the handle 14 secured to the collector head 15. To the duct, on the under surface of the top thereof, buses 11 and 18 are secured by means of the bolts 18 and 80, the latter being insulated from the duct by means of insulating bushings 8| and 82, there being an insulating strip 83 between the buses and duct 12. Also inside the duct but to the topk surface of the bottom portion thereof are secured buses 85 and 8B, the bus 85 being insulated from the duct 12 by the strip 81 and its securing bolts 88 being insulated from the duct by the bushings 88. Bus 86, however, is permitted to electrically contact the duct 12 for grounding purposes, there being an uninsulated bolt 80 which secures the bus 86 to the duct. It is to be understood that buses 11, 18, and 85 are three phase buses, and bus 88 is a grounding bus.

Another iorm of duct type oi distributor, illustrated in Figs. 9 to 11 inclusive, includes a metallic duct 82 which is adapted to be secured to an overhead surface by means of the stirrups and hangers 88 disposed at spaced intervals along The latter is slotted in its lower surface as at 84, edge 85 oi' the slot being ilanged inwardly, and edge 88 being also flanged but for a considerably greater distance than is edge 85, for purposes to be described.

Secured within the duct by means and in a I manner resembling the securing means of the form of Fig. 8 and therefore not speciiically described, are bus |||0|0||02 and |03 inclusive, the threephase buses |00-,|0||02 being insulated from the duct 82 and the grounding bus |03 being in electrical contact with the duct 82 as shown, the ends of all of the buses being scarred as shown at |84, Fig. 10, for reasons previously described.

In Fig. 11 there is shown a connection between adjacent sections oi' duct, the connection including a metallic strip |08 which is bolted to adjacent buses |0| by means of bolts |01, the latter being insulated from the duct by the ilber tubes |08 and |08.. Adjacent ends of the ducts are connected by means of the lap joint disclosed in Fig. 11 and which is created by enlarging an end of one duct so that it overlaps and receives an end of its neighbor, as shown at ||0. If desired, an insulating shield ||2 may be secured to the strip |08 by means of the bolt ||3 whereby electrical exposure of the strip lis prevented.

Use

vent side sway or thrust, the collectors also having a plurality of roller contacts |22-|23|24 which roll along the under surface oi' busses 30-3I-.32 respectively, gathering current therefrom and leading it to cables disposed on the collector and not shown.

It will be observed that bus bar 32 and collector |24 are displaced with respect to the corresponding busses and collectors for insuring proper insertion of the collector in the channel. For example, if the collector be inserted in the channel with its contact |22, under bus 32, no damage will be done since the remaining -contacts are out of engagement with the remaining buses and since no circuit is completed through the device i'ed by the collector. It is impossible for the collector to be left in this position since the rollers |20 will not come to rest upon the web 2| and the operator of the collector will, therefore, immediatey see that he has inserted it in its wrong position and will rotate it 180 dethe feeding of current to the device to be operated in an improper direction is made impossible. Further displacement of a bus bar prevents the insertion of a multi (three) phase current collector in such a position that it will be single-phased, since in reversed position, a collector can change but one bus bar, namely the lower bar 32.

'I'he duct type shown in Fig. 8 is useful practically with installation requiring small currents and/or low voltage. In this type of device the collector is inserted from an open end of the duct or from an enlarged opening in the bottom and is then moved endwise until it enters a duct 12, its handle 14 projecting downwardly through the slot 13 and its contacts |28|21|28|28 engaging buses 11-18-85-88 respectively.

It will be observed that bus 86 is displaced with respect to bus in such a manner as to insure the insertion of the collector 15 in the duct in the proper direction whereby proper current flow will be insured, in a mannerl resembling that used in the form of Fig. 1.

The duct type illustrated in Fig. 9 is useiul with collectors of the character disclosed at |82, the latter comprising two separable halves |33 and |34, each of which is provided with contacts |38, |38, |31, and |38 as shown, and collector |32 being provided with spring means |88 which will cause separation of the halves and engagement oi' the contacts |85l etc., with the corresponding buses.

In this form also there is provided means for insuring insertion of the collector in the ducts in the proper direction and such means will now be described.

The head of collector |32 is so shaped as to be inserted in the duct l2 through slot 94, that is to say, it is elongated in cross sectionand can be inserted in the duct only when its long diameter is parallel to the long axis of the duct after which insertion'it is rotated 180 degrees. In order to prevent insertion of the collector |32 froml the wrong side of the duct, that is to say from the right hand side of Fig. 9, the ange 90 is extended a considerable distance whereas flange l5 is cut oli' very close to the lower edge of the duct.

It will be observed that the vertical axis of the head of collector 'IB of the duct l2 and of the buses 11, 1l, 85 and 86, is offset with respect to the axis of the handle 1I, thus preventing improper rotation of the collector 1B andinsuring contact |29 being disposed immediately above bus Il.

While only three modifications of the distribution system have been shown and described. it is observed that many other modifications of the same can be made and it is to be understood that the scope of this invention is to be measured oniv by the appended claims and not by the foregoing description.-

For example, referring to Fig. B, duct 12 may be provided with a slot in its vertical side wall to replace the slot in its lower-wall, the collector being f more or less L-shaped in cro section whereby it can be accommodated by the duct. Further, the

channel of Pig. i may be replaced by an I-beam or any other structural shape which will be found useful in this connection. Further, other connection means may be found useful with the device and other collectors may be used if desired. v

Now having described the invention and the preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that the said invention is to be limited, not to the speciilc details herein set forth but only by the scope of the claims which follow:

l. A bus bar joint adapted to prevent interruptions of electrical flow in a collector as the later is being passed from one bus bar to another,

comprising aligned adjacent andl complementary scarfed bus bar ends. a male member secured to one of said bus bars on the non-collecting surface thereof, and a female member secured to the other of said bars away from the collecting surface thereof, said female member being so shaped as to receive said male member when the bus bars are brought together.

' 2. In a current distributing system, current distributing means comprising a duct substantially `rectangular' in cross section. the bottom of the duct having an elongated slot, bus bars on opposite sides of said slot and remote therefrom and asymmetrically disposed with respect thereto, the slot being wide enough to permit the insertion into the duct through said slot oi' a current collectorl trolley of thetype that has an enlarged head provided with collector contacts on. opposite sides thereof for engagement with the bus barsbetween which is the slot and that hase depending portion riding in the slot, improper insertion of a current collector through the slot being prevented by the asymmetrical disposition of spect to the bus bars.

3. Ina current distribution system, current distributing means comprising a duct substantially rectangular in cross section, and having a slot asymmetrically disposed with respect to the duct, and bus bars disposed in said duct on opposite sides of said slot, whereby improper insertion in said duct of a current collector is prevented, one of said bus bars being off the level of the remaining bus bars to form additional means to prevent improper insertion of said bus bars.

the slot with re- 4. In a cinrent distribution system, of aligned lelongated ducts having elongated bus bars therein, and means for electrically andI mechanically connecting said ducts and bus bars, said means including metallic bolts threaded in adjacent ends of aligned bars and through insulated apertures in said ducts, and a strap secured to said bolts and electrically connecting them, there being an insulating shield for said strap.

5. Means for creating electrical connection between a bus bar disposed within a metallic channel, and a cable behind the web of said channel,

through an insulated aperture in said channil web, and having a cable lug secured thereto, said bolt being surrounded by a closely tting tube of insulating material clamped between said bus bar and one of said nuts.

6. A bus bar joint adapted to prevent interruptions of electrical flow in a collector as the latter is being passed from one bus bar to another, comprising aligned adjacent and compiementary scarfed bus bar ends, a male member secured to one of said bus bars on the non-collecting surface thereof, and a female member securedl to the other of said bars away from the collecting surface thereof, said female members being so' shaped as to receive said male member when thel bus bars are brought together, said male member being of thesame cross section as the lbus to which itis secured.

7. A bus bar joint adapted to prevent interruptions of electrical flow in a collector as the latter is being passed from one bus bar to another, comprising aligned adjacent and complecomprising an elongated metallic duct, and sectional bus bars therewithin, the bus bar ends being clear of the duct, and rigid means in the clear space between the bus bar ends and the duct for joining adjacent bus bar ends mechanically and electrically, and preventing relative shifting of the joined ends, the `means including a sleeve on the end of one bus bar receiving the end of the adjacent bus bar.

9. A current distribution bus duct comprising a plurality of standard-bus duct sections, each of which includes a standard metallic duct section, a standard insulation liner section therein, and standard bus bar sections therein, adjacent duct sections having their ends joined by means outside of the duct, adjacent liner sections being joined by a lap sealing joint between them, and adjacent bus bar ends being Joined by a sleeve on one bus bar end encompassing and adjacent bus bar end.

10. A current distribution bus duct comprising a -plurality of standard-bus duct sections, each of which includes a standard metallic duct section.' a standard insulation liner section therein. and standard bus bar sections therein, adjacent duct sections having their ends joined by 'means outside ofy the duct, adjacent liner sections being a plurality kcomprising abolt threaded into said bus bar joined by a lap sealing joint between them, and adjacent bus bar ends being joined by a sleeve on one bus bar end encompassing an adjacent bus bar end, the sleeve being in a clear space between the bus bar ends and the duct.

11. In a bus duct run, a bus bar, means insulating the latter from the duct, and a single screw in electrical connection with the bus and insulated from the duct for securing the bus and its insulation with respect to the duct, the screw projecting through the duct to present an exposed end by means of which the bus may be electrically supplied.

12. In a bus duct run, adjacent bus bar ends, means insulating them from the duct, a single screw in electrical connection with the bus and insulated from the duct for securing each bus endand its insulation with respect to the duct, each screw projecting through the duct, a-nd means outside of the duct mechanically and electrically interconnecting adjacent screws, to form a rigid continuous bus run and preventing relative shifting of the bus bar ends.

13. In a bus duct run, adjacent bus bar ends, means insulating them from the duct, portions electrically integral with said bus bars and projecting transversely therefrom through holes in said duct and insulated therefrom, and means outside of the duct mechanically and electrically interconnecting adjacent ones of said portions to form a rigid continuous bus run and preventing relative shifting of the bus bar ends.

14. In a trolley bus-rai l duct, a bus rail therewithin and lying adjacent a Wall thereof, supporting means therefor within the duct and between the bus rail and the wall, and bolts securing said bus rail to said supporting means, the bolts being so positioned that they are threaded into said bus rail first through the means and then into the bus rail, ,towards the collector surface of the .bus rail, the Shanks of the bolts terminating at or in back of the collector surface of the bus rail.

15. In a trolley bus-rail duct, a bus rail therewithin and lying adjacent a wall thereof, supporting means therefore within the duct and between the bus rail and the wall, and bolts securing said bus rail to said supporting means, the bolts being so positioned that they are threaded into said bus rail first through the means and then into the bus rail, towards the collector surface of the rail, the shanks of the bolts terminating at or in back of the collector surface of the bus rail, and bolts securing said means to the duct and manipulable independently of the bus rail bolts.

16. A trolley bus duct section comprising a long piece of duct having therein bus bars of substantially the length of the piece of enclosure, insulating means on a surface of theduct between it and the bus bars, sets of screws in line with the bus bars securing them to the insulating means and having their heads between the means and the duct surface, and sets of screws out of the line of the bus bars securing the insulating means to the duct and having their heads exposed to the interior of the duct, and exposedinsulating means insulating the heads oi' the last mentioned screws.

17. A trolley bus duct section comprising a long piece of duct having therein bus bars of substantially the length oi' the piece of enclosure, insulating means on a surface of the duct between it and the bus bars, sets of screws in line with the bus bars securing them to the insulating means and having their heads between the means and the duct surface,-and sets of screws out of the line of the bus bars securing the insulating means to the duct and having their headsexposed to the interior of the duct, and exposed insulating means insulating the heads o il the last mentioned screws, the duct having a continuous elongated opening in the Wall opposite the aforementioned duct surface providing access to the heads of the last mentioned screws.

18. A trolley bus duct section comprising along piece of duct having therein bus bars of substantially the length of the piece oi enclosure, insulating means on a surface of the duct between it and the bus bars, sets of screws in ,line with the bus bars securing them to the insulating means and having their heads between `the means and the duct surface, and sets oi screws out of the line of the bus bars securing the insulating means to the duct and having their heads exposed to the interior of the duct, and exposed insulating means insulating the heads of the last mentioned screws, the first mentioned insulating means being longitudinally spaced transverse cleats providing exibility for the bus bars between the cleats.

19. A trolley bus duct section comprising a long piece of duct having therein bus bars of substantially the length of the piece of enclosure, in-

sulating means on a surface of the duct between it and the bus bars, sets of screws in line with the bus bars securing them to the insulating means and having their heads between the means and the duct surface, and sets of screws out o1' the line of the bus bars securing the insulating means to the duct and having their heads exposed to the interior of the duct, and exposed insulating means insulating the heads oi' the last mentioned screws. the rst mentioned insulating means being longitudinally spaced transverse cleats providing flexibility for the bus bars between the cleats, and means between the cleats of adjacent bus duct sections which are joined in end to end relation to form a trolley bus duct run for rigidly joining adjacent bus bar ends, the joining means lapping said bus bar ends and being between the bus bars and the aforementioned duct surface.

20. A trolley bus duct section comprising a long piece of d uct having therein bus bars of substantially the length of the piece of enclosure, insulating means on a surface of the duct between it and the bus bars, sets of screws in line with the bus bars securingthem to the insulating means and having their heads between the means and the duct surface, and sets of screws out of the line of the bus bars securing the insulating means to the duct and having their heads exposed to the interior of the duct, and exposed ,insulating means insulating the heads of the last mentioned screws, the first mentioned insulating means being longitudinally spaced transverse cleats providing flexibility, for the bus bars between the cleats, and means between the cleats of adjacent bus duct sections which are joined in end to end relation to form a trolley bus duct run for rigidly joining adjacent bus bar ends, the joining means lapping said bus bar ends and being between the bus bars and the aforementioned duct surface, and means outside the adjacent -ends of bus duct sections for rigidly joining them.

21. In a trolley bus-rail duct, a bus rail therewithin and lying adjacent a wall thereof, supporting means therefor within the duct and between the bus rail and the wall, and bolts sethe' bolts beln'l lo pdattlonedthatthq arethreadto the clucztV and manipulable independently of the ed into said bua rall mst through the means and bua rail bolts and threaded into the duct nrst then into the bus rail, towards the collector surthrough the means and then through the duct, tace of the rail, the :banks of the bolts terand belnl remote from the bus rails.

5 mlnatlnz ator 1n back o! the oollector sur- HARRISONJ.L. FRANK. 5

tace o! the bul rail; and bolts lecurlnl said means f WIILIAM A. HARPER. 

